§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate which compulsory powers of the Highlands and Islands Development Board the Government will not permit the board to use.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellCompulsory purchase orders for land in Scotland have to be approved by the Secretary of State, or another Minister where appropriate whether initiated by the Highlands and Islands Development Board or other bodies.
As I made clear when the Highlands and Islands Development Bill was passing through the House in 1965, we regard the compulsory powers given to the Board for use outside Scotland as unnecessary. They have not been invoked and I do not expect them to be. I shall, however, examine on its individual merits any application made by the Board to use its powers.